Mathematical Modeling of Drying Kinetics of Garlic Clove in Forced Convection Evacuated Tube Solar Dryer

Abstract

The present research aims to estimate the thermal performances of an evacuated tube solar dryer (ETSD) and analysis of thin-layer drying kinetics of garlic clove. The experiment of the drying was conducted at individual air velocities, viz. 1, 2, and 3 m/s to evaluate the moisture ratio during the drying progression. The solar intensity and collector outlet temperature were increased up to 2 PM and found to be 964 W/m2 and 85.5 ℃, respectively, and thereafter both are decreased. The maximum drying chamber temperature was noted 76.5 ℃ for drying of the garlic clove. Five thin-layer drying kinetic models were selected and fitted with experimental values of moisture ratio for the identification of the best appropriate drying model. Among the different mathematical models, Weibull model was identified to be best-fitting curve capable for described the drying kinetics at 2 m/s as well as 3 m/s air velocity with highest coefficient of determination (R2) values, least chi-square (χ2) and root mean square error (RMSE) values. However, Modified Page model was showed the best-fitted model at 1 m/s air velocity to describe the drying behavior of garlic clove.